Angiotensin II alone or in combination for the treatment of hypotension

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates, inter alia, to a method comprising administering to a subject having high output shock and undergoing treatment with a catecholamine at a dose equivalent to at least about 0.2 mcg/kg/min of norepinephrine a dose of angiotensin II which is effective to raise the blood pressure of the subject to a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of about 65 mm Hg or above, and which is effective to reduce the dose of the catecholamine required to maintain a MAP of about 65 mm Hg to the equivalent of about 0.05-0.2 mcg/kg/min norepinephrine or less, or to the equivalent of about 0.05 mcg/kg/min norepinephrine or less.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/909,617, filed Mar. 1, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/941,301, filed Nov. 13, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,127, filed on Dec. 18, 2014, and claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Applications 61/917,576, Filed Dec. 18, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Application 61/955,706, filed Mar. 19, 2014, each of which is incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which has been submitted electronically in ASCII format and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Said ASCII copy, created on Dec. 18, 2014, is named 123585_375374_SL.txt and is 2,088 bytes in size.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Critically ill patients with shock requiring vasopressors are at a high risk of death. High output shock (also known as distributive shock) is the most common form of shock, and is often caused by sepsis [1]. When shock is treated with vasopressors, two main classes of vasopressors are in the intensivists' armamentarium: catecholamines and vasopressin type peptides [1]. Currently, no specific type of vasopressor (e.g. norepinephrine, vasopressin, dopamine) compared to another vasopressor has been shown to improve outcome [2]. All vasopressors have limitations and potential side effects. Patients treated with catecholamines for shock often develop tachyphylaxis thereby limiting the utility of these agents, and high doses of catecholamines can cause direct cardiotoxicity [3]. The toxic potential of catecholamines has been recently demonstrated in a randomized clinical trial of septic shock patients treated norepinephrine [4]. In this study, beta-blockade with esmolol was shown to improve survival in these patients by decreasing the heart rate. Thus, vasopressors that are not inotropes or chronotropes may be useful in patients with shock. One such vasopressor is vasopressin, which is most commonly used as an adjuvant with catecholamines. Vasopressin has been shown to improve outcomes in patients with less severe septic shock, but has toxicity (e.g. cardiac and mesenteric ischemia) at high doses and interacts with hydrocortisone [5]. In high-output shock, the patients are critically ill and mean arterial pressure cannot be maintained without vasopressors. High-output shock is defined as a cardiovascular Sequential Organ Function Assessment (SOFA) score of greater than or equal to 3 or 4 as well as a cardiac index of >2.4 liters/min/BSA 1.73 m² [10]. In high-output shock, if blood pressure cannot be maintained, it is uniformly fatal. In patients that cannot maintain their blood pressure, the addition of a ‘rescue’ vasopressor in this setting could be useful.

A subset of patients with shock (including high-output shock and other types of shock) are catecholamine-resistant. That is, they are unresponsive (do not exhibit an appropriate increase in blood pressure) in response to treatment with a dose of a catecholamine equivalent to a dose of at least 0.2 mcg/kg/min of norepinephrine.

Angiotensin II (sometimes referred to herein as ATII) is a naturally occurring peptide hormone with endocrine, autocrine, paracrine, and intracrine hormonal effects. It is a potent direct vasoconstrictor, constricting both arteries and veins and increasing blood pressure [6]. It has a half-life in circulation of approximately 30 seconds, but while in tissue, its half-life may be as long as 15-30 minutes. ATII increases secretion of ADH and ACTH, and may potentiate sympathetic effects by direct action on postganglionic sympathetic fibers. It also acts on the adrenal cortex, causing it to release aldosterone [6,7]. High doses of angiotensin II have been reported to induce adverse side effects, including for example, mesenteric ischemia and bronchospasm.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows study drug titration protocol.

FIG. 2 shows patient flow diagram.

FIG. 3 shows changes in norepinephrine dose with concurrent angiotensin II.

FIG. 4 shows Angiotensin II Dose Titration—Quintiles

DESCRIPTION

This invention relates, inter alia, to the surprising finding by the present inventors that in response to the administration of very low doses of angiotensin II to subjects having hypotension, e.g., exhibiting distributive shock (high output shock), the blood pressure can be raised to a normal level (e.g., a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of about 65 mm Hg or higher) and can be maintained at this level, even in the absence of, or with low doses of, other agents such as vasopressin or catecholamines (e.g., norepinephrine) that are generally administered to such subjects as the standard of care. The reduction or elimination of a need to administer a catecholamine (e.g., norepinephrine) is sometimes referred to herein as a catecholamine-sparing (norepinephrine-sparing) effect. Administering low doses of angiotensin II and of a catecholamine such as norepinephrine reduces undesirable side effects brought about by these drugs. High doses of catecholamines can be toxic, and the blunting of these toxic effects has been associated with improved survival in patient with shock. Maintenance of blood pressure during shock is critical to survival. In addition to raising blood pressure, heart rate and hemodynamics are improved or remain stable following administration of the low doses of angiotensin II.

Definitions

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, treatment with “a” catecholamine as used above includes treatment with one or more types of catecholamine.

The term “about” as used herein, means within about 10% of the indicated value, preferably plus or minus 5% of the indicated value.

The term “angiotensin II” may refer to Asp-Arg-Val-Tyr-Ile-His-Pro-Phe [SEQ ID NO: 1] also called 5-isoleucine angiotensin II. SEQ ID NO: 1 is an octa-peptide naturally present in humans and other species, such as equines, hogs, etc. Isoleucine may be substituted by valine to result in 5-valine angiotensin II, Asp-Arg-Val-Tyr-Val-His-Pro-Phe [SEQ ID NO: 2]. Other angiotensin II analogues such as [Asn¹-Phe⁴]-angiotensin II [SEQ ID NO: 3], hexapeptide Val-Tyr-Ile-His-Pro-Phe [SEQ ID NO: 4], nonapeptide Asn-Arg-Val-Tyr-Tyr-Val-His-Pro-Phe [SEQ ID NO: 5], [Asn¹-Ileu⁵-Ileu⁸]-angiotensin II [SEQ ID NO: 6], [Asn¹-Ileu⁵-Ala⁸]-angiotensin II [SEQ ID NO: 7], and [Asn¹-diiodoTyr⁴-Ileu⁵]-angiotensin II [SEQ ID NO: 8] may also be used. Angiotensin II may be synthesized, for example, by solid phase peptide synthesis to incorporate modifications, such as C-terminal amidation. C-terminal acetate groups may also be added. The term “angiotensin II”, without further specificity, is intended to refer to any of these various forms, as well as combinations thereof.

The term “catecholamine”, as used herein, refers to dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, phenylephrine, ephedrine and their prodrugs, structural analogs, or derivatives that induce similar physiological effects in humans, e.g., raise mean arterial pressure in healthy human subjects. In certain embodiments, the catecholamine may be dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, ephedrine or phenylephrine.

The term “catecholamine-resistant hypotension” as used herein refers to patients who require more than 15 μg/kg/min of dopamine, 0.1 μg/kg/min norepinephrine, or 0.1 μg/kg/min epinephrine as a vasopressor. Dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine may be administered at rates higher than 15 μg/kg/min, 0.1 μg/kg/min, or 0.1 μg/kg/min, respectively, but elevated rates correlate with increased mortality.

Throughout this specification, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer (or components) or group of integers (or components), but not the exclusion of any other integer (or components) or group of integers (or components).

The term “including” is used to mean “including but not limited to.” “Including” and “including but not limited to” are used interchangeably.

The term “mean arterial pressure” or “MAP” refers to the average arterial pressure during a single cardiac cycle.

As used herein, a “subject” or “patient” refers to any animal (e.g., a mammal), including human, non-human primate, rodent, etc., which is to the recipient of a particular treatment. Typically, the terms “subject” and “patient” are used interchangeable herein in reference to a human subject.

Angiotensin II Therapeutics

Angiotensin II is a peptide hormone naturally produced by the body that regulates blood pressure via vasoconstriction and sodium reabsorption. Hemodynamic effects of angiotensin II administration have been the subject of numerous clinical studies, demonstrating significant effects on systemic and renal blood flow (Harrison-Bernard, L. M., The renal renin-angiotensin system. Adv Physiol Educ, (2009) 33(4): p. 270-74). Angiotensin II is a hormone produced by the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) that modulates blood pressure via regulation of vascular smooth muscle tone and extracellular fluid homeostasis. Angiotensin II mediates its effects on the vasculature by inducing vasoconstriction and sodium retention. In addition to its systemic effects, angiotensin II has a pronounced effect on the efferent arterioles of the kidney, maintaining glomerular filtration when blood flow is decreased. Angiotensin II also regulates sodium reabsorption in the kidney by stimulating Na+/H+ exchangers in the proximal tubule and inducing the release of aldosterone and vasopressin (Harrison-Bernard, L. M., The renal renin-angiotensin system. Adv Physiol Educ, 2009, 33(4): p. 270-4.).

The sequence of angiotensin II used in the compositions and methods disclosed herein may be homologous to the sequences of angiotensin II described above. In certain aspects, the invention includes isolated, synthetic, or recombinant amino acid sequences that are at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and/or 8. Any such variant sequences may be used in place of an angiotensin II as described in the preceding paragraph.

In some aspects, the angiotensin II may be selected from 5-valine angiotensin II, 5-valine angiotensin II amide, 5-L-isoleucine angiotensin II, and 5-L-isoleucine angiotensin II amide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, preferably manufactured under current good manufacturing conditions (cGMP). In some aspects, the composition may include different forms of angiotensin II in different percentages, e.g., a mixture of hexapeptide and nonapeptide angiotensin. The composition comprising angiotensin II may be suitable for parenteral administration, e.g., for injection or intravenous infusion.

Similarly, an angiotensin II therapeutic may be used as any suitable salt, deprotected form, acetylated form, deacetylated form, and/or prodrug form of the above-mentioned peptides, including pegylated forms of the peptides or conjugates as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,666,408 (incorporated by reference). The term “prodrug” refers to any precursor compound which is able to generate or to release the above-mentioned peptide under physiological conditions. Such prodrugs may be larger peptides which are selectively cleaved in order to form the peptide of the invention. For example, in some aspects, the prodrug may be angiotensin I or its homologues that may result in angiotensin II by the action of certain endogenous or exogenous enzymes. Further prodrugs include peptides with protected amino acids, e.g., having protecting groups at one or more carboxylic acid and/or amino groups. Suitable protecting groups for amino groups are the benzyloxycarbonyl, t-butyloxycarbonyl (BOC), fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (FMOC), formyl, and acetyl or acyl group. Suitable protecting groups for the carboxylic acid group are esters such as benzyl esters or t-butyl esters. The present invention also contemplates the use of angiotensin II and/or precursor peptides having amino acid substitutions, deletions, additions, the substitutions and additions including the standard D and L amino acids and modified amino acids, such as, for example, amidated and acetylated amino acids, wherein the therapeutic activity of the base peptide sequence is maintained at a pharmacologically useful level.

Indications

Methods of the invention can be used to treat a subject exhibiting a variety of types of shock, such as, e.g., high output shock, septic shock or shock from cardiac arrest or cardiogenic shock. Other conditions that can be treated with the indicated low doses of angiotensin II include acute kidney injury (AKI), hepato-renal syndrome (HRS) and variceal bleeding.

Doses of the Therapeutically Effective Substance

In general, angiotensin II increases blood pressure, and patients who are hypotensive may require larger doses to exhibit pressor responses similar to those observed in normal patients. The composition including the angiotensin therapeutic (e.g., angiotensin II) can be administered at a rate sufficient to achieve a target blood pressure. For example, a patient may be coupled to a monitor that provides continuous, periodic, or occasional measurements of MAP.

The precise amount of a drug to be administered to a mammal for the treatment of hypotension and shock is dependent on numerous factors known to one skilled in the art, such as, the agent to be administered, the general condition of the patient, the condition to be treated, the desired duration of use, the type of mammal, the method of administration etc.

The dose of angiotensin II can be administered at a rate of from about 0.25 ng/kg/min to about 100 ng/kg/min, e.g. from about 10 ng/kg/min to about 50 ng/kg/min, from about 20 ng/kg/min to about 40 ng/kg/min, from about 0.25 ng/kg/min to about 20 ng/kg/min, from about 0.25 ng/kg/min to about 10 ng/kg/min, from about 0.25 ng/kg/min to about 5 ng/kg/min, from about 1.25 ng/kg/min to about 20 ng/kg/min, about 1.25 ng/kg/min to about 10 ng/kg/min, or from about 1.25 ng/kg/min to about 5 ng/kg/min. In embodiments of the invention, the dose is about 0.25 ng/kg/min, about 0.5 ng/kg/min, about 1 ng/kg/min, about 1.25 ng/kg/min, about 1.5 ng/kg/min, about 2 ng/kg/min, about 2.5 ng/kg/min, about 3 ng/kg/min, about 3.5 ng/kg/min, about 4 ng/kg/min, about 4.5 ng/kg/min, about 5 ng/kg/min, about 5.5 ng/kg/min, about 6 ng/kg/min, about 7.5 ng/kg/min or about 10 ng/kg/min.

FIG. 4 and the Examples indicate that subjects with high output shock requiring high doses of catecholamine (in the exemplified case, norepinephrine) who are administered as little as 1 or 2.5 ng/kg/min of angiotensin II show an increase in blood pressure and maintain it, even in the absence of, or with very low doses of, norepinephrine. In the study illustrated in FIG. 4, subjects requiring high doses of norepinephrine (>0.2 mcg/kg/min) responded to low dose angiotensin II, such that the norepinephrine was discontinued, and the effect of angiotensin II converted these patients from hypotensive to hypertensive.

The dose administration can last from about 0.25 hours to about 120 hours, e.g., from about 1 hour to about 7 hours, 2 hours to about 6 hours, or about 3 hours to about 5 hours.

The therapeutic regimen can be started within, e.g., 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours, after the onset of acute symptoms.

Formulations

Suitable formulations (pharmaceutical compositions) for administering a drug will depend on the mode of administration. For example, formulations adapted for parenteral administration may comprise a sterile aqueous preparation, preferably isotonic with the blood of the recipient. This aqueous preparation may be formulated according to known methods using suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents. Illustrative of a preparation produced in such conventional fashion is the aqueous formulation, Remestyp (terlipressin). The preparation also may be a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a diluent or solvent, for example as a solution in 1,3-butanediol, water, Ringer's solution, and isotonic sodium chloride solution, which are exemplary acceptable diluents. Sterile, fixed oils may be employed as a solvent or suspending medium. Bland fixed oils, including synthetic mono or di-glycerides, and fatty acids, such as oleic acid, may also be used. Most of the agents described herein are commercially available and can be obtained readily from commercial sources.

Excipients

The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may also contain diluents, fillers, salts, buffers, stabilizers, solubilizers, and other materials well known in the art. The term “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” refers to a non-toxic carrier that may be administered to a patient, together with a therapeutically effective substance (such as angiotensin II) of this invention, and which does not destroy the pharmacological activity of the therapeutically effective substance. The term “pharmaceutically acceptable” means a non-toxic material that does not interfere with the effectiveness of the biological activity of the active ingredient(s). The characteristics of the carrier will depend on the route of administration. The term “excipient” refers to an additive in a formulation or composition that is not a pharmaceutically active ingredient.

One of skill in the art would appreciate that the choice of any one excipient may influence the choice of any other excipient. For example, the choice of a particular excipient may preclude the use of one or more additional excipients because the combination of excipients would produce undesirable effects. One of skill in the art would be able to empirically determine which excipients, if any, to include in the compositions of the invention. Excipients of the invention may include, but are not limited to, co-solvents, solubilizing agents, buffers, pH adjusting agents, bulking agents, surfactants, encapsulating agents, tonicity-adjusting agents, stabilizing agents, protectants, and viscosity modifiers. In some aspects, it may be beneficial to include a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in the compositions of the invention.

Solubilizing Agents

In some aspects, it may be beneficial to include a solubilizing agent in the compositions of the invention. Solubilizing agents may be useful for increasing the solubility of any of the components of the formulation or composition, including a therapeutically effective substance (e.g., angiotensin II) or an excipient. The solubilizing agents described herein are not intended to constitute an exhaustive list, but are provided merely as exemplary solubilizing agents that may be used in the compositions of the invention. In certain aspects, solubilizing agents include, but are not limited to, ethyl alcohol, tert-butyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, glycerol, methylparaben, propylparaben, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and any pharmaceutically acceptable salts and/or combinations thereof.

pH-Adjusting Agents

In some aspects, it may be beneficial to adjust the pH of the compositions by including a pH-adjusting agent in the compositions of the invention. Modifying the pH of a formulation or composition may have beneficial effects on, for example, the stability or solubility of a therapeutically effective substance, or may be useful in making a formulation or composition suitable for parenteral administration. pH-adjusting agents are well known in the art. Accordingly, the pH-adjusting agents described herein are not intended to constitute an exhaustive list, but are provided merely as exemplary pH-adjusting agents that may be used in the compositions of the invention. pH-adjusting agents may include, for example, acids and bases. In some aspects, a pH-adjusting agent includes, but is not limited to, acetic acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, and combinations thereof.

The pH of the compositions of the invention may be any pH that provides desirable properties for the formulation or composition. Desirable properties may include, for example, therapeutically effective substance (e.g., angiotensin II) stability, increased therapeutically effective substance retention as compared to compositions at other pHs, and improved filtration efficiency. In some aspects, the pH of the compositions of the invention may be from about 3.0 to about 9.0, e.g., from about 5.0 to about 7.0. In particular aspects, the pH of the compositions of the invention may be 5.5±0.1, 5.6±0.1, 5.7±0.1, 5.8±0.1, 5.9±0.1, 6.0±0.1, 6.1±0.1, 6.2±0.1, 6.3±0.1, 6.4±0.1, or 6.5±0.1.

Buffers

In some aspects, it may be beneficial to buffer the pH by including one or more buffers in the compositions. In certain aspects, a buffer may have a pKa of, for example, about 5.5, about 6.0, or about 6.5. One of skill in the art would appreciate that an appropriate buffer may be chosen for inclusion in compositions of the invention based on its pKa and other properties. Buffers are well known in the art. Accordingly, the buffers described herein are not intended to constitute an exhaustive list, but are provided merely as exemplary buffers that may be used in the compositions of the invention. In certain aspects, a buffer may include one or more of the following: Tris, Tris HCl, potassium phosphate, sodium phosphate, sodium citrate, sodium ascorbate, combinations of sodium and potassium phosphate, Tris/Tris HCl, sodium bicarbonate, arginine phosphate, arginine hydrochloride, histidine hydrochloride, cacodylate, succinate, 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid (IVIES), maleate, bis-tris, phosphate, carbonate, and any pharmaceutically acceptable salts and/or combinations thereof.

Surfactants

In some aspects, it may be beneficial to include a surfactant in the compositions of the invention. Surfactants, in general, decrease the surface tension of a liquid composition. This may provide beneficial properties such as improved ease of filtration. Surfactants also may act as emulsifying agents and/or solubilizing agents. Surfactants are well known in the art. Accordingly, the surfactants described herein are not intended to constitute an exhaustive list, but are provided merely as exemplary surfactants that may be used in the compositions of the invention. Surfactants that may be included include, but are not limited to, sorbitan esters such as polysorbates (e.g., polysorbate 20 and polysorbate 80), lipopolysaccharides, polyethylene glycols (e.g., PEG 400 and PEG 3000), poloxamers (i.e., pluronics), ethylene oxides and polyethylene oxides (e.g., Triton X-100), saponins, phospholipids (e.g., lecithin), and combinations thereof.

Tonicity-Adjusting Agents

In some aspects, it may be beneficial to include a tonicity-adjusting agent in the compositions of the invention. The tonicity of a liquid composition is an important consideration when administering the composition to a patient, for example, by parenteral administration. Tonicity-adjusting agents, thus, may be used to help make a formulation or composition suitable for administration. Tonicity-adjusting agents are well known in the art. Accordingly, the tonicity-adjusting agents described herein are not intended to constitute an exhaustive list, but are provided merely as exemplary tonicity-adjusting agents that may be used in the compositions of the invention. Tonicity-adjusting agents may be ionic or non-ionic and include, but are not limited to, inorganic salts, amino acids, carbohydrates, sugars, sugar alcohols, and carbohydrates. Exemplary inorganic salts may include sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium sulfate, and potassium sulfate. An exemplary amino acid is glycine. Exemplary sugars may include sugar alcohols such as glycerol, propylene glycol, glucose, sucrose, lactose, and mannitol.

Stabilizing Agents

In some aspects, it may be beneficial to include a stabilizing agent in the compositions of the invention. Stabilizing agents help increase the stability of a therapeutically effective substance in compositions of the invention. This may occur by, for example, reducing degradation or preventing aggregation of a therapeutically effective substance. Without wishing to be bound by theory, mechanisms for enhancing stability may include sequestration of the therapeutically effective substance from a solvent or inhibiting free radical oxidation of the anthracycline compound. Stabilizing agents are well known in the art. Accordingly, the stabilizing agents described herein are not intended to constitute an exhaustive list, but are provided merely as exemplary stabilizing agents that may be used in the compositions of the invention. Stabilizing agents may include, but are not limited to, emulsifiers and surfactants.

Modes of Administration

Administration of angiotensin II or a catecholamine can be by any convenient route, e.g. intravenous (using either a bolus or by a steady infusion), intramuscular, subcutaneous or inhalation. The angiotensin II and the catecholamine may be administered together or independently.

The compositions of the invention can be administered in a variety of conventional ways. In some aspects, the compositions of the invention are suitable for parenteral administration. These compositions may be administered, for example, intraperitoneally, intravenously, intrarenally, or intrathecally. In some aspects, the compositions of the invention are injected intravenously. One of skill in the art would appreciate that a method of administering a therapeutically effective substance formulation or composition of the invention would depend on factors such as the age, weight, and physical condition of the patient being treated, and the disease or condition being treated. The skilled worker would, thus, be able to select a method of administration optimal for a patient on a case-by-case basis.

Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used in this application shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Generally, nomenclature and techniques relating to chemistry, molecular biology, cell and cancer biology, immunology, microbiology, pharmacology, and protein and nucleic acid chemistry, described herein, are those well-known and commonly used in the art.

Methods Related to the Administration of Angiotensin II

One aspect of the invention is a method comprising administering to a subject having high output shock (e.g., catecholamine-resistant high output shock) and undergoing treatment with a catecholamine at a dose equivalent to at least about 0.2 mcg/kg/min of norepinephrine a dose of angiotensin II which is effective to raise the blood pressure of the subject to a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of about 65 mm Hg or above, and which is effective to reduce the dose of the catecholamine required to maintain a MAP of about 65 mm Hg to the equivalent of about 0.05-0.2 mcg/kg/min norepinephrine or less.

Another aspect of the invention is a method comprising administering to a subject having high output shock (e.g., catecholamine-resistant high output shock) and undergoing treatment with a catecholamine at a dose equivalent to at least about 5 mcg/min of norepinephrine a dose of angiotensin II which is effective to raise the blood pressure of the subject to a mean arterial pressure (MAP) above about 80 mm Hg, and which is effective to reduce the dose of the catecholamine required to maintain a MAP above about 80 mm Hg to the equivalent of less than about 5-10 mcg/min norepinephrine. In certain such embodiments, the dose of angiotensin II is at least about 20 ng/kg/min.

In various embodiments, the dose of angiotensin II is effective to reduce the dose of the catecholamine required to maintain a MAP of about 65 mm Hg to the equivalent of about 0.05 mcg/kg/min norepinephrine or less.

In embodiments of the invention,

-   a. the catecholamine is norepinephrine, or -   b. the catecholamine is epinephrine and the dose equivalent to 0.1     mcg/kg/min of norepinephrine is 0.1 mcg/kg/min; or -   c. the catecholamine is dopamine and the dose equivalent to 0.1     mcg/kg/min of norepinephrine is 15 mcg/kg/min; or -   d. the catecholamine is phenylephrine and the dose equivalent to 0.1     mcg/kg/min of norepinephrine is 1.0 mcg/kg/min.

In embodiments of the invention, the dose of angiotensin II is from about 0.25 ng/kg/min to about 10 ng/kg/min, from about 0.25 ng/kg/min to about 5 ng/kg/min; about 1 ng/kg/min; about 2 ng/kg/min or about 3 ng/kg/min.

Another aspect of the invention is a method comprising administering to a subject having high output shock (e.g., catecholamine-resistant high output shock) and undergoing treatment with a catecholamine at a dose equivalent to at least about 0.2 mcg/kg/min of norepinephrine a dose of angiotensin II which is effective to raise the blood pressure of the subject to a MAP of about 65 mm Hg or above, and which is effective to reduce the dose of the catecholamine required to maintain a MAP of about 0.05 mcg/kg/min norepinephrine or less, which further comprises

identifying the subject (selecting a subject) as belonging to the subset of subjects who are sufficiently responsive to angiotensin II so that a dose of angiotensin II of about 0.25 ng/kg/min to about 5 ng/kg/min is effective to reduce the amount of norepinephrine required to maintain a mean arterial pressure (MAP) at or above about 65 mm Hg to about 0.05 mcg/kg/min epinephrine or less, by titrating the amount of angiotensin with regard to a fixed dose of norepinephrine; and

continuing to administer angiotensin II to the subject, at the dose determined as above.

In various methods of the invention, the angiotensin II and the catecholamine may be administered intravenously, intramuscularly, subcutaneously or by inhalation; and they may be administered together or independently.

Another aspect of the invention is a method comprising administering to a subject having shock (e.g., septic shock or shock from other causes, such as cardiac arrest or cardiogenic shock) and undergoing treatment with a catecholamine at a dose equivalent to at least about 0.2 mcg/kg/min of norepinephrine a dose of angiotensin II which is effective to raise the blood pressure of the subject to a MAP of about 65 mm Hg or above, and which is effective to reduce the dose of the catecholamine required to maintain a MAP of about 65 mm Hg to the equivalent of about 0.05-0.2 mcg/kg/min norepinephrine or less, or to the equivalent of about 0.05 mcg/kg/min norepinephrine or less.

In some methods of the invention, the subject is a human.

In certain embodiments, the angiotensin II and the catecholamine are conjointly administered. As used herein, the phrase “conjoint administration” refers to any form of administration of two agents such that the second agent is administered while the previously administered agent is still effective in the body (e.g., the two agents are simultaneously effective in the patient, which may include synergistic effects of the two agents). For example, the two agents can be administered either in the same formulation or in separate formulations, either concomitantly or sequentially. In certain embodiments, the different agents can be administered within one hour, 12 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, or a week of one another. Thus, an individual who receives such treatment can benefit from a combined effect of the two agents.

In various methods of the invention, the subject is undergoing standard-of-care treatment with a catecholamine (e.g., epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, phenylephrine, ephedrine) or with vasopressin at or prior to the time the angiotensin II is administered. These agents are administered at a dose which is equivalent to at least 0.2 mcg/kg/min of the catecholamine, norepinephrine. Typical equivalent doses are:

Drug Dose Norepinephrine Equivalent Epinephrine  0.1 mcg/kg/min 0.1 mcg/kg/min Norepinephrine  0.1 mcg/kg/min 0.1 mcg/kg/min Dopamine   15 mcg/kg/min 0.1 mcg/kg/min Phenylephrine  1.0 mcg/kg/min 0.1 mcg/kg/min Vasopressin 0.04 U/min 0.1 mcg/kg/min

In some embodiments, the patients are catecholamine-resistant. That is, the patients are not responsive (do not exhibit an increase in blood pressure) to a catecholamine administered in a dose that is equivalent to a dose of at least about 0.2 mcg/kg/min of norepinephrine.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments described herein are not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention. The present description is further illustrated by the following examples, which should not be construed as limiting in any way. In the foregoing and in the following examples, all temperatures are set forth in uncorrected degrees Celsius; and, unless otherwise indicated, all parts and percentages are by weight.

EXAMPLES Example I—Intravenous Angiotensin II for the Treatment of High Output Shock

A. Methods

Study Patients

Patients were older than 21 years of age and deemed to have high output shock, defined as a cardiovascular Sequential Organ Function Assessment (SOFA) score of 4 as well as a cardiac index of >2.4 liters/min/BSA 1.73 m² [10]. Patients also had an indwelling arterial line and urinary catheter as part of standard care. In addition, each subject was found to be adequately volume resuscitated and clinically assessed not to be volume responsive (i.e. a fluid bolus would fail to increase cardiac index by 15%). Standard of care was to resuscitate with 20-30 cc/kg of crystalloid as initial resuscitation. Exclusion criteria included patients with acute coronary syndrome, a known history of vasospasm or asthma, any patients currently experiencing bronchospasm or patients with active bleeding with an anticipated need for transfusion of >4 units of packed red blood cells, hemoglobin <7 g/dL or any other condition that would contraindicate drawing serial blood samples.

Treatment Assignments

Upon enrollment in the study, patients were randomly assigned the following randomization procedures (computerized random numbers) to receive either angiotensin II acetate infusion (Clinalfa, Bachem AG, Hauptstrasse 144, 4416 Bubendorf, Switzerland) or a placebo infusion (hereafter referred to as the Study Drug and placebo, respectively). The investigators, clinical support staff, the patients and their families were unaware of the treatment assignment for the duration of the study.

Drug Infusion

Enrolled patients were randomized to receive the Study Drug infusion in normal saline calculated to run at a drip rate corresponding to an initial concentration of 20 ng/kg/min, plus the standard-of-care treatment for high output shock. The Study Drug was prepared in an opaque cellophane bag, the contents of which were unknown to the investigators, nurses or anyone else taking direct care of the patient. The Study Drug was administered for a total of 6 hours, with dose (and corresponding drip rate) adjustments made hourly. Study Drug dose adjustments were determined per a pre-specified protocol, based on the concomitant requirements of standard-of-care therapy (in all cases, norepinephrine infusion plus vasopressin, epinephrine and/or phenylephrine infusions) needed to maintain a mean arterial pressure (MAP) at or above 65 mm Hg, which is the standard practice at our institution. The Study Drug titration protocol was designed to elucidate the dose of ATII that was required (in conjunction with a norepinephrine dose between 5-10 mcg/min) to achieve the aforementioned standard MAP goal of 65 mm Hg. The dose titration protocol is shown on FIG. 1. The maximum allowable dose for the ATII titration was 40 ng/kg/min, and the minimum was 5 ng/kg/min. At the end of 6 hours, the Study Drug infusion was titrated off by being halved every 10 minutes until the Study Drug infusion dose was below 5 ng/kg/min, after which it was discontinued.

End Points

The primary endpoint was the effect of the ATII infusion on the standing dose of norepinephrine which was required to maintain a MAP of 65 mmHg. The secondary endpoints included the effect of the ATII infusion on urine output, serum lactate, cardiac output, and 30 day mortality.

Statistical Analysis

A small cohort of patients was analyzed, consistent with similar studies of this nature. A population of 20 patients, ten patients in each arm, was determined to generate a basis for determining if ATII could affect the dose of norepinephrine at the doses outlined herein. An independent data and safety monitor (DSM) was assigned and reviewed all adverse events.

The distribution of demographic and clinical variables was also assessed. Differences between proportions of patients with certain variables were assessed with the chi-square, Fisher exact test, student t, and Mann-Whitney test as appropriate. The primary endpoint of the effect of the Study Drug infusion on the standing dose of norepinephrine was calculated using a general estimating equation analysis and is presented as the mean dose of norepinephrine (mcg/min) and Study Drug infusion (in ng/kg/min) at hourly intervals.

Generalized estimating equation was used to model the response to the Study Drug over time, with standard-of-care vasopressor hourly readings beginning at 1 hour prior to, through 8 hours after the initiation of the Study Drug, using the SAS Genmod procedure (version 9.3, Cary, N.C.). Correlation structure was defined as auto-regressive to account for the likely higher correlation between time points that were closer together. In this model, the main effect of drug examines the mean response to each drug averaged across times. The main effect of time examines the mean response at each time point averaged across drugs, and the drug multiplied by time interaction examines whether the change over time differs between drugs.

All values are reported as mean±standard deviation unless otherwise specified. All other statistical analysis was completed using SPSS 18, Chicago, Ill., USA.

B. Results

The flow of patients into the study is reported in FIG. 2. Twenty patients underwent randomization and all 20 patients were enrolled in and completed the study (FIG. 1). Baseline characteristics of the two groups are shown in Table 1. The mean age for all study subjects was 62.9±15.8 years. Of the patients, 75% were male, 45% were Caucasian and 40% were African American. Baseline SOFA and APACHE II scores were 15.9±3.0 and 30.6±8.9, respectively. 19 of 20 patients were receiving concomitant vasopressin at a dose of 0.02-0.08 u/min. Vasopressin doses were not adjusted during the study period

ATII resulted in a reduction in norepinephrine dosing in all patients (FIG. 3). The mean Hour 1 norepinephrine dose for the placebo cohort was 27.6±29.3 mcg/min v. 7.4±12.4 mcg/min for the ATII cohort (p=0.06). Hour 2 norepinephrine dosing for the placebo cohort was 28.6±30.2 mcg/min v. 7.3±11.9 mcg/min in the ATII cohort (p=0.06). Throughout the study period, the mean ATII dose was reduced from 20 ng/kg/min at Hour Zero to 5 ng/kg/min at Hour 6 before being titrated off by Hour 7 (one hour post-infusion). Despite this down-titration of ATII, norepinephrine doses remained substantially lower in the ATII cohort than the placebo cohort, though the effect approached statistical significance only at Hours 1 and 2. Upon cessation of the ATII infusion, mean norepinephrine rebounded concomitantly.

Using a general estimating equation model with time defined as a continuous variable, in order to obtain a global test of interaction effect, the main effect of treatment (Study Drug vs. placebo) was not significant (p=0.13), nor was the effect of time (p=0.30), nor was the treatment multiplied by time interaction (p=0.76). When time was defined as a class variable with Hour −1 defined as the reference group, in order to examine specific time points, the drug effect (p=0.14) and time effect (p=0.18 at time 0, p=0.51 at time 1) both remained non-significant. The product of drug multiplied by time interaction showed a trend level of significance at 1-hr and 2-hr (p=0.06).

Adverse events most commonly experienced by all patients were metabolic disorders with alkalosis occurring in four patients in the ATII group and zero in the placebo group (p=0.09). The most common adverse event thought to be attributable to ATII was hypertension,

which occurred in 20% of patients receiving ATII (p=0.58). In both of these patients, the Study Drug infusion was stopped, per protocol, in order to achieve MAP goals. Table 2 lists adverse events

Urine output, cardiac output, central venous pressure, and mean arterial pressure are shown in Table 3. The 30 day mortality for the two groups were similar for the ATII cohort and the placebo cohort (50% v. 60%, p=1.00).

TABLE 1 Baseline demographic and clinical data Full Cohort SD ATH SD Placebo SD P value^(†) Age 62.85 15.81 68.40 17.46 57.30 12.44 0.12 Male (n) 15 6 9 0.30 Race (n) Caucasian 9 6 3 0.37 Black 8 3 5 0.65 Other 3 1 2 1.00 Severity of Illness Baseline SOFA 15.90 2.97 14.9 2.81 16.90 2.92 0.14 APACHE 30.60 8.86 27.2 9.67 34.00 6.83 0.09 Past Medical History IND 2 1 1 1.00 CHF 2 2 0 0.47 COPD 2 2 0 0.47 DM 7 4 3 1.00 CKD 7 3 4 1.00 HD 1 0 1 1.00 Liver disease 9 5 4 1.00 Cancer 6 1 5 0.14 IS 6 1 5 0.14 Steroids 3 1 2 1.00 Hypertension 9 4 5 1.00 CVA 5 4 1 0.30 AKI 17 9 8 1.00 Labs WBC 17.38 19.0 16.0 15.72 12.3 0.61 Hgb 9.45 9.16 2.14 9.73 2.45 0.59 Creatinine 2.33 1.89 1.03 2.76 1.34 0.12 pH 7.33 7.34 0.11 7.32 0.12 0.63 Lactate 5.83 4.59 3.11 7.06 5.16 0.21 Baseline vasopressor doses^(Y) Norepinephrine 25.05 17.03 19.80 11.67 30.30 20.37 0.18 Vasopressin 0.04 0.02 0.03 0.02 0.05 0.02 0.10 Results are presented as mean and SD or number. ¹P values for continuous variables calculated using Student's T test P values for discrete variables calculated using Fisher exact test. ²One patient in the placebo group received phenylephrine infusion prior to initiation of ATII versus no patients in the ATII group. One patient in the placebo group received epinephrine versus no patients in the ATII group. SOFA, sequential organ function assessment; APACHE, acute physiology an chronic health evaluation II; THD = ischemic heart disease. CHF = congestive heart failure. COPD = chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. DM = diabetes mellitus. CKD = chronic kidney disease. HD = hemodialysis. IS = immunocompromised state. CVA = cerebrovascular accident. AKI = acute kidney injury. Hgb, hemoglobin; NA, to represent not analyzed, not applicable, or not available.

TABLE 2 Adverse events Organ System Total ATII Placebo P value Metabolic disorders 16 11 5 Acidosis 2 3 1.00 Alkalosis 4 0 0.09 Blood or lymphatic disorders 7 3 4 Respiratory disorders 6 3 3 Worsening respiratory failure 1 3 0.58 Wheezing 1 0 1.00 Cardiac disorders 12 7 5 Hypertension^(⋄) 2 0 0.58 Hypotension 2 1 1.00 Atrial Fibrillation 2 0 0.47 Renal disorders^(γ) 7 6 1 Decreased urine.output 3 1 0.58 Worsening AKI 0 2 0.47 Other disorders^(†) 8 5 3 Worsening MOSF 2 3 1.00 ^(⋄)ATII infusion was discontinued in two patients due to hypertension. ^(γ)Seventeen of 20 patients exhibited pre-existing AKI, including 8 patients receiving placebo and 9 patients receiving ATII. Of the three patients that did not have pre-existing AKI, one patient developed AKI and received ATII. ^(†)Includes worsening multiple organ system failure, fever, lower extremity edema, and thigh hematoma. AKI = acute kidney injury. MOSF = multiple organ system failure. P values calculated using Fisher Exact test.

Urine output, cardiac output, central venous pressure, and mean arterial pressure are shown in Table 3. The 30 day mortality for the two groups were similar for the ATII cohort and the placebo cohort (50% v. 60%, p=1.00).

TABLE 3 Secondary outcomes Hr −2 Hr −1 Hr 0 Hr 1 Hr 2 Hr 3 Hr 4 Hr 5 Hr 6 Hr 7 Hr 8 Urine Output ATII 41.7(51.7) 28.6(32.4) 45.9(96.6) 31.1(58.0) 33.7(67.1) 42.6(58.8) 36.9(50.0) 34.4(57.2) 36.3(38.3) 27.2(33.3) 23.8(27.3) Placebo 29.5(69.8) 12.4(23.2) 23.5(41.8) 17.5(25.7) 17.0(32.0) 16.3(24.6) 17.0(34.7) 16.8(30.4) 14.8(26.3) 18.0(27.3) 23.0(34.4) Cardiac Output ATII 7.0(2.7) 6.0(3.1) 6.6(2.6) 6.3(2.5) 0.2(2.5) 5.9(2.7) 6.5(2.4) 6.1(2.6) 6.7(3.3) 6.3(2.9) 7.5(3.1) Placebo 6.3(1.2) 6.9(2.5) 6.5(1.7) 6.9(1.8) 6.4(1.7) 6.8(3.0) 7.3(2.2) 6.8(1.5) 7.9(1.8) 6.9(2.5) 7.0(2.3) CVP ATII 12.7(5.5)  12.9(7.0)  14.1(8.9)  14.8(7.3)  14.6(7.4)  14.8(8.8)  11.7(3.9)  12.1(4.8)  10.0(2.9)  12.6(4.8)  11.8(1.8)  Placebo 16.0(3.0)  9.7(2.1) 12.6(7.8)  15.7(9.3)  17.3(9.0)  15.7(7.3)  16.4(8.6)  16.3(6.7)  14.2(6.3)  14.4(7.1)  13.2(5.6)  MAP ATII 71.2(13.6) 72.3(11.2) 68.8(7.0)  74.8(8.4)  69.8(8.6)  73.1(12.5) 75.3(14.2) 68.9(8.1)  73.0(10.5) 72.3(11.9) 73.6(11.5) Placebo 71.2(9.2)  71.8(6.5)  73.0(12.6) 72.8(9.3)  67.8(6.6)  70.1(6.4)  71.3(7.8)  75.0(4.7)  79.9(9.4)  74.0(10.6) 74.5(13.2) Lactate ATII 4.6(3.1) 5.2(4.1) Placebo 7.1(5.2) 5.7(3.9) Legend: Urine Output (cc), Cardiac Output (liters/min), CVP = central venous pressure; all variables-mean (s.d.), * denotes p < 0.05.

Further studies showed that subjects who are administered as little as 1.25 or 2.5 ng/kg/min of angiotensin II show an increase in blood pressure and maintain it, even in the absence of, or with very low doses of, a catecholamine, such as norepinephrine. The standard of care for patients with high-output shock is to maintain the mean arterial pressure at 65 mm of Hg with catecholamines and/or vasopressin. The inability to maintain blood pressure in mammals for an extended period of time is uniformly fatal. In the study illustrated in FIG. 4, the standard of care was to administer norepinephrine. 20% of the patients responded to very low doses of angiotensin II (1.25-2.5 ng/kg/min) such that the MAP rose markedly. Per standard protocol, the catecholamine dose was decreased as pushing the MAP above normal in high-output shock patients is non-standard. Even as the catecholamines were completely weaned off, the low dose of Angiotensin II resulted in a MAP>85 mm of Hg.

ATII was shown to be an effective pressor agent at a dose range of 1-40 ng/kg/min. More specifically, a starting dose of 2-10 ng/kg/min may be an appropriate starting dose in the treatment of high output shock when used in conjunction with standard-of-care vasopressors.

While all patients in the study had a response to the ATII infusion, significant heterogeneity was observed. Of the ten patients who received ATII, two had a modest response, while two were exquisitely sensitive to ATII, which was an unexpected finding. In the two highly sensitive patients, the norepinephrine infusion was titrated off per protocol, and the ATII dose was at its lowest allowable dose of 5 ng/kg/min and the patients remained hypertensive with MAP of >90 mm Hg despite norepinephrine titrated off Since hypertension is not part of our standard of care, the investigators halted the infusion, and the ATII was weaned off. In both cases the need for norepinephrine was rapidly reestablished.

ATII appears to have synergy with other vasopressors catecholamines and vasopressin). It appears that for patients who require norepinephrine and are tachycardic, ATII is particularly useful. For patients with severe hypotension, lower doses of multiple vasopressors with differing mechanisms of action may be more efficacious and less toxic than high doses of one type of vasopressors (i.e., catecholamines).

Among the multiple strengths of the present study are the following. First, the study was a randomized, double-blind controlled trial with an appropriate placebo control arm. Secondly, it was of pragmatic design, as it was the intent of the investigators to enroll patients receiving standard-of-care treatment for high output shock. As such, all patients had received a priori appropriate monitoring and therapeutic interventions (including central venous lines, bladder catheters, arterial lines, and cardiac output monitoring devices). There was no additional need for any specialized equipment of procedures prior to enrollment in the study. Thirdly, all enrolled patients had a documented need for high dose vasopressor therapy despite volume therapy, as evidenced by the cardiac index entry criteria. This is in keeping with the current practice of addressing volume responsiveness in a hypotensive patient prior to initiation of vasopressor therapy. Finally, as part of the study protocol, a data safety monitor was employed, who had the ability to unblind data and evaluate for adverse events as well as halt the study, neither of which occurred.

The initiation of an ATII infusion in patients receiving norepinephrine for septic shock resulted in a marked decrease in norepinephrine doses. ATII improved blood pressure in patients with high-output shock and multiple vasopressors. ATII is an effective as a pressor agent in the treatment of high output shock. Initial dosing can range from between 2-10 ng/kg/min. Finally, ATII was shown to be well-tolerated.

Another aspect of the present invention relates, inter alia, to formulations (compositions, pharmaceutical compositions) comprising angiotensin II in combination with one or more further peptides and/or compounds, as well as methods for the use of those formulations in the treatment of subjects in need of increased blood pressure (having hypotension), e.g. as present in a variety of types of shock, such as, e.g., high output shock, septic shock or shock from other forms of shock such as cardiac arrest or cardiogenic shock. The formulations can also be used to treat other conditions, including i.a. acute kidney injury, hepato-renal syndrome (HRS) or variceal bleeding.

Particular embodiments include, e.g., angiotensin II in combination with other vasopressor peptides or analogues or derivatives thereof; and angiotensin H in combination with other vasopressor peptides or analogs or derivatives thereof and a catecholamine. Additional embodiments include any of the preceding peptides or combinations further in combination with the compound methylene blue, also referred to herein as 3,7-bis(dimethylamino)-phenothiazin-5-ium chloride or MB.

The present inventor has found, unexpectedly, that the use of angiotensin II in combination with other vasopressors, such as vasopressin and/or vasopressin analogues and/or with catecholamines allows for the use of much lower doses of the vasopressin and/or vasopressin analogues and/or catecholamine than are currently administered as the standard of care, thereby reducing side effects of those agents and increasing efficiency. Methylene blue, also, exhibits a synergistic effect with any of these agents. That is, a combination of low doses of two or more of these agents (in combination with angiotensin II) is more effective than conventional large doses of one of the agents.

One aspect of the invention is a composition comprising angiotensin II or an analogue thereof and at least one additional vasopressor and/or methylene blue. Such combinations are sometimes referred to herein as “multicomponent compositions of the invention.”

In embodiments of the invention, the multicomponent composition comprises the following combinations of agents:

angiotensin II+vasopressin

angiotensin II+vasopressin+norepinephrine

angiotensin II+vasopressin+any catecholamine,

methylene Blue (MB)+angiotensin II

MB+angiotensin II+vasopressin

MB+angiotensin II+vasopressin+norepinephrine

MB+angiotensin II+vasopressin+any catecholamine

angiotensin II+terlipressin

angiotensin II+terlipressin+norepinephrine

angiotensin II+terlipressin+any catecholamine

methylene blue (MB)+angiotensin II

MB+angiotensin II+terlipresssin

MB+angiotensin II+terlipresssin+norepinephrine

MB+angiotensin II+terlipressin+any catecholamine

Another aspect of the invention is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a multicomponent composition as above and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Another aspect of the invention is a kit comprising, in one or more containers, angiotensin II and at least one additional vasopressor and/or methylene blue.

Another aspect of the invention is a method (e.g. a method for treating a subject in need thereof, e.g. in need of increased blood pressure, such as shock), comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a multicomponent composition comprising angiotensin II and at least one additional vasopressor and/or methylene blue, or with a pharmaceutical composition comprising the composition and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

As was discussed above, agents such as the agents noted above can be administered conjointly, which refers to any form of administration of two agents (or more) such that the second agent (or additional agent(s)) is administered while the previously administered agent is still effective in the body (e.g., the two (or more) agents are simultaneously effective in the patient). For example, two (or more) agents can be administered either in the same formulation or in separate formulations, either concomitantly or sequentially. In certain embodiments, the different agents can be administered within one hour, 12 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, or a week of one another. Thus, an individual who receives such treatment can benefit from a combined effect of the two or more agents. Two, three or four of the agents indicated above can be administered conjointly.

A composition for administering combinations of two or more of the indicated agents can take any of a variety of forms. For example, two of more of the agents can be packaged together and administered together. In another embodiment, one or more of the agents in a composition is packaged separately from the others, so it can be administered independently from the others, e.g., in a separate I.V. line. In this manner, for example, doses of the individual agents can be controlled individually. In one embodiment, for example in an emergency when a patient has had a cardiac arrest, the subject can be administered a combination of, e.g., angiotensin II, vasopressin and a catecholamine outside of the hospital, such as in an ambulance. Later, after the patient has arrived at the hospital, more refined doses and combinations of agents can be administered.

Angiotensin II is discussed above. The dose of angiotensin II which is administered to a subject in the context of multicomponent administration can be determined (titrated when used in combination with a catecholamine, vasopressin and/or methylene blue) by a method as discussed elsewhere herein. Generally, the dose of angiotensin II administered to a subject in the context of multicomponent administration is from about 1 or 1.25 ng/kg to about 20 ng/kg, from about 1 or 1.25 ng/kg/min to about 10 ng/kg/min, from about 1 or 1.25 ng/kg/min to about 5 ng/kg/min, from about 0.25 ng/kg/min to about 20 ng/kg/min, from about 0.25 ng/kg/min to about 10 ng/kg/min, or from about 0.25 ng/kg/min to about 5 ng/kg/min. In embodiments of the invention, the dose is about 0.25 ng/kg/min, about 0.5 ng/kg/min, about 1 ng/kg/min, about 1.25 ng/kg/min, about 1.5 ng/kg/min, about 2 ng/kg/min, about 2.5 ng/kg/min, about 3 ng/kg/min, about 3.5 ng/kg/min, about 4 ng/kg/min, about 4.5 ng/kg/min, about 5 ng/kg/min, about 5.5 ng/kg/min; about 6 ng/kg/min, about 7.5 ng/kg/min or about 10 ng/kg/min.

As was discussed above, the catecholamines that can be used in a method of the invention include, i.a., norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine or phenylephrine or ephedrine. The dose of a catecholamine which is administered to a subject in the context of multicomponent administration can be determined (titrated when used in combination with angiotensin II, vasopressin and/or methylene blue) by a method as discussed elsewhere herein. Generally, the dose of a catecholamine which is administered to a subject in the context of multicomponent administration is equivalent to a dose of norepinephrine of from about 0.01 mg/kg/min to about 0.1 mcg/kg/min (e.g. about 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09 or 0.1 mcg/kg/min). Equivalent doses of catecholamines are summarized above.

Vasopressin or any of a variety of suitable analogues or derivatives thereof can be used in a method of the present invention; suitable analogues or derivatives will be evident to a skilled worker. Among these suitable analogues or derivatives are: terlipressin, argipressin, desmopressin, felypressin, lypressin, and ornipressin. One suitable analogue, terlipression, is a synthetic triglycyl-lysine derivative of vasopressin, which is an inactive prodrug. It has pressor and antidiuretic effects. Following intravenous (IV) injection, lysine vasopressin is released following the enzymatic cleavage of 3 glycyl moieties. The dose of vasopressin or an analogue thereof which is administered to a subject in the context of multicomponent administration can be determined (titrated when used in combination with angiotensin II, a catecholamine and/or methylene blue) by a method as discussed elsewhere herein. Generally, the dose of vasopressin which is administered to a subject in the context of multicomponent administration is about 0.01 U/min to about 0.04 U/min (e.g. about 0.01, about 0.02, about 0.03 or about 0.04 U/min). Generally, the dose of terlipressin which is administered to a subject in the context of multicomponent administration is about 0.1 mg to about 1 mg, e.g. about 0.1, 0.3, 0.7 or 1 mg, for about 4-6 hours.

Methylene blue (MB) can also be administered to a subject in a multicomponent administration method of the invention. Methylene blue is a selective inhibitor of guanylate cyclase, a second messenger involved in nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation, and as such can enhance the action of vasopressors. As an experimental pharmaceutical drug, the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) of methylene blue is methylthioninium chloride. The dose of methylene blue which is administered to a subject in the context of multicomponent administration can be determined (titrated when used in combination with angiotensin II, a catecholamine, and/or methylene blue) by a method as discussed elsewhere herein. Generally, the dose of methylene blue which is administered to a subject in the context of multicomponent administration is about 0.01 to about 3 mg/kg every 2-8 hours.

Treatment with the low doses of two or more of these agents (including angiotensin II) as noted above is more effective than conventional large doses of one of the agents. For example, the standard of care for administering a catecholamine by itself is in the range of about 0.01 to about 0.3 mcg/kg/min, and the standard of care for administering vasopressin in in the range of about 0.01 to about 0.08 U/min. By combining two or more of these components, a reduction of at least about 20% to about 25% of any of these over the conventional standard of care, represents a significant advantage.

The present inventor shows herein that smaller doses of multiple vasoconstrictors work more efficiently than large doses of one vasopressor. Without wishing to be bound by any particular mechanism, it is suggested that this synergy is due, at least in part, to the observation that vasopressin and angiotensin II affect different vascular beds differentially than catecholamines, so by attacking different targets, the agents act synergistically. For example, vasopressin tends to cause more mesenteric vasoconstriction than cathecholamines, so if a patient develops mesenteric ischemia, vasopressin/vasopressin analogues are usually stopped. In diseases like hepato-renal syndrome, the disease problem is mesenteric vasodilation, and vasopressin/vasopressin analogues are deployed to counteract that specific regional vasodilation.

One embodiment of the invention is a kit which comprises angiotensin II and one of more of the agents vasopressin or an analogue thereof (e.g. terlipressin), and/or a catecholamine, and/or methylene blue. The agents in the kit can be present in individual containers (e.g. vials), or two or more agents can be present together in a single container. In one embodiment, each container contains a unit dose of the agent. In other embodiments, multiple dose units are present in each container. The agents may be in liquid form or they may be in solid (e.g. powdered or lyophilized form), which can be reconstituted with saline or a comparable diluent solution before administration to a patient. For example, in one embodiment, the following agents are present in solid form in a single vial: about 0.25 mg to about 1 mg of the catecholamine epinephrine; about 10 U to about 40 U of vasopressin; and about 0.01 micrograms to about 100 micrograms of angiotensin II. These components are then suspended in a suitable volume of a diluent before use. Suitable diluents and suitable amounts of other combinations of agents will be evident to a skilled worker.

Kits of the invention may comprise instructions for performing a method, such as methods for reconstituting solid forms of agents or for diluting liquid forms. Other optional elements of a kit of the invention include suitable buffers or other diluents for reconstituting solid forms of, or for diluting liquid forms of, the agents; or packaging materials. The reagents of the kit may be in containers in which the reagents are stable, e.g., in lyophilized or powdered form or stabilized liquids.

A composition or pharmaceutical composition of the invention can be used to treat any of a variety of diseases or conditions. These include, e.g., shock, including septic shock, shock from cardia arrest or cardiogenic shock, or high output shock. Other indications include acute kidney injury, hepato-renal syndrome (HRS) and variceal bleeding.

Acute Kidney Injury

Patients with inflammation/sepsis can develop acute kidney injury (AKI) due in part to vasodilation of glomerular efferent arteriole which causes intra-glomerular hypotension and loss of GFR. The parenteral use of agents such as angiotensin II and vasopressin causes efferent arteriole vasoconstriction, thereby mitigating this effect.

Hepato-Renal Syndrome (HRS)

HRS is a disease wherein mesenteric vasodilation is so profound that blood flows preferentially to the gut and away from the kidney. FIRS occurs typically in patients with liver cirrhosis. Angiotensin II alone or in combination with vasopressin and/or a catecholamine causes vasoconstriction and consequent improvement in renal function. In addition, patients with cirrhosis often have vasodilation due to increased nitric oxide levels, and thus can be treated with methyelene blue in conjunction with angiotensin II and a vsaopressin (e.g. terlipressin) and/or a catecholamine.

Variceal Bleeding

Patients with portal hypertension, usually from cirrhosis, tend to bleed from their esophageal varices. It is desirable to deploy drugs which decrease portal pressures. Treatment with a composition of the invention results in reduced bleeding, so fewer transfusions or procedures to stop bleeding are required, and death from the condition is reduced.

REFERENCES

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From the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention, and without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usage and conditions and to utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. The preceding specific embodiments are to be construed as merely illustrative, and not limiting of the scope of the invention in any way whatsoever. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the compounds and methods of use thereof described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the following claims. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that all combinations of embodiments described herein are within the scope of the invention.

The entire disclosure of all applications, patents, and publications cited above, including US provisional applications U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/917,576, filed Dec. 18, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/955,706, filed Mar. 19, 2014, including the figures, are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference, particularly with regard to the disclosure for which they are referenced. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of treating a hypotensive human patient suffering from acute kidney injury, comprising administering angiotensin II to the patient at an initial rate of about 0.25 to 10 ng/kg/min and titrating the rate down to achieve and/or maintain a target mean arterial pressure (MAP) of at least about 65 mmHg in the patient.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the rate is titrated down to about 1.25-5 ng/kg/min.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the rate is titrated down to about 0.25-1.25 ng/kg/min.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the patient has sepsis, hepatorenal syndrome, or intra-glomerular hypotension.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the angiotensin II consists of SEQ ID NO:
 1. 6. A method of achieving a target mean arterial pressure (MAP) of at least about 65 mmHg in a hypotensive human patient experiencing acute kidney injury, comprising administering angiotensin II to the patient at an initial rate of about 0.25 to 10 ng/kg/min and titrating the rate down.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the dose is titrated down to about 1.25-5 ng/kg/min.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the dose is titrated down to about 0.25-1.25 ng/kg/min.
 9. The method of claim 6, wherein the patient has sepsis, hepato-renal syndrome, or intra-glomerular hypotension.
 10. The method of claim 6, wherein the angiotensin II consists of SEQ ID NO:
 1. 